County wins big in tourism awards

Winners were announced from across the 'White Rose county'

Tourist attractions in North Yorkshire are celebrating after scooping the majority of trophies up for grabs in the 2004 White Rose Awards.

The county took home nine of the 14 awards, which recognise excellence in Yorkshire tourism.

The National Railway Museum, venue for the awards, was named best conference facility, while prizes also went to a pub, restaurant and caravan park.

The Royal Armouries in Leeds was named the major visitor attraction of 2004.

The prizes were given out at a ceremony on Thursday night.

Tourism is the largest and fastest growing industry in Yorkshire, worth £4.2bn to the region annually and employing more than 165,000 people.

The full list of winners of the 2004 White Rose Awards.

Best newcomer to tourism
Jet2.com, Leeds Bradford Airport

Outstanding customer service Award
Derek Scales, Scarborough Sea Life and Marine Sanctuary

Local food in tourism
DCH - The Restaurant at the Dean Court, York

Tourism Website of the Year
The Ripley Castle Estate, Harrogate

Tourist Information Centre of the Year
Grassington TIC

Conference Venue of the Year
National Railway Museum, York

Guest Accommodation of the Year
The Moorlands Country House Hotel, Levisham

Self-Catering Holiday of the Year
Faweather Grange, High Eldwick

Caravan Park of the Year
Jasmine Park, Scarborough

Hotel of the Year (up to 50 bedrooms)
The Devonshire Arms Country House Hotel, Bolton Abbey

Hotel of the Year (30 bedrooms and over)
Radisson SAS Hotel, Leeds

Visitor Attraction of the Year (under 100,000 visitors)
World of James Herriot, Thirsk

Visitor Attraction of the Year (100,000 visitors and over)
The Royal Armouries, Leeds

Yorkshire pub of the year
The White Bear, Masham